One of my readers recently wrote in to share with me a strange experience he had whilst visiting Hampton Court Palace as a child.
Haunted Gallery Hampton Court
Like many other ‘strange’ experiences that take place at Hampton Court, this one occurred in the ‘Haunted Gallery‘ where the ghost of Katherine Howard is said to make a final plea for mercy.
Whether you believe in the paranormal or not, I think it is fascinating that so many people report unusual phenomena in this area of the palace.
This is Joseph’s story.
When I was about 11 years old I went to Hampton Court with my mother one winter. Seeing it was in the middle of winter and term time the palace was extremely quiet.
My mother decided to go into the chapel (Royal balcony area) and because I had already been in there I waited outside and looked at the artwork. I was looking at the art when all of a sudden I heard fast, heavy footsteps coming towards me. I knew something was there because I could feel the floorboards sinking under the weight, as the footsteps reached me I was hit by a sudden cold breeze.
Once the footsteps had passed me they continued until the royal entrance to the chapel and suddenly stopped. Seeing I was only 11 I was pretty spooked but when I told my mum she didn’t believe me.
Looking for someone else to tell I spoke to a period actor working at the palace at the time and she told me that what I had experienced was very common. It is believed to be the spirit of Katherine Howard running to the King in prayer to beg for forgiveness on hearing she was to be executed.
I have been there since this experience but have had nothing else happen, which is a shame.
Joseph
Haunted Gallery at Hampton Court Palace
Thanks for sharing that, Joseph. It’s intriguing. I think it’s significant that it happened at a quiet time, when the usual hordes of tourists were absent from the palace. I wonder how much of sensing the paranormal has to do with being given the opportunity to “tune in”? How much goes unnoticed in the frantic pace of modern life? Having said that, it’s probably likely that you are more perceptive (read: psychic) than the average person.
This is so cool! I LOVE IT! I wish more people would share this tudor ghost stories that they experience. Once someone on my site said that they went to Hever castle and had a similar experience. : )
Wow! I would LOVE to experience the ghost of Anne B or any of the queens–Amazing! Thanks!